Sildenafil, commonly known by the trade name Viagra
is an oral medication used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction
(ED). Pfizer commercially released Viagra in 1996 officially making it
the first drug ever approved by the FDA for the treatment of ED. Since
its inception many other brands of Sildenafil have come to the market
place taking the once held monopoly away from Pfizer as well as several
other ED medications composed of different drugs, Cialis (Tadalafil) being the most notable and largest competition for Viagra.

Viagra Functions and Traits

The function of Viagra is relatively simple – it relaxes the muscle
and increases the blood flow to the penis. An erection is nothing more
than blood flow to the penis. When blood flow is weak so is the
erection. If we increase blood flow we increase the strength of the
erection and the ability to maintain it.

The specifics of action involve the binding of nitric oxide to the
guanylate cyclase receptors, which increases cGMP levels. This produces a
smooth muscle relaxation, which in turn opens the pathway for increased
blood flow. Viagra belongs to the class of drugs known as cGMP Specific
Phosphodiesterase type 5 or PED5.

Important note: Viagra as well as other PED5 medications cannot cause
or promote an erection without sexual stimulation. They do not have an
effect on libido. The subject must be sexually aroused to obtain an
erection. In the case of Viagra the problem for the subject is that the
desire is there but the erection is not found. Viagra should reverse
this issue if blood flow is the cause.

Effects of Viagra

The effects of Viagra are once again simple: the individual does not
have the ability to produce or maintain an erection and Viagra provides
the ability. However, it cannot be stressed enough that this only
pertains to those with blood flow issues. If the ED issue is based on a
hormone deficiency the use of Viagra or any PED5 may not help. In other
cases, it may require both the use of hormone therapy and PED5
medication. Some individuals may also find the issue is psychologically
related. Mental related ED is not uncommon and is not a blood flow or
hormone issue. Others may find their issue surrounds stress to the CNS
or worse and at times without remedy due to testicular or penile damage.

Side Effects of Viagra

The side effects of Viagra, the most commonly reported is abnormal or
blurred vision with approximately 2.5% of users experiencing this
effect. If vision issues occur users are urged to discontinue and find
alternative options.The side effects of Viagra do not appear to occur in most men.
Another side effect of the PED5 may be an erection lasting longer than 4
hours, which may or may not be considered a good thing depending on
your situation, but will more than likely call for professional
attention.

Viagra Administration

Viagra is taken orally and is a blue diamond shape pill with Pfizer
imprinted on one side and VGR XX on the other. It is available in
numerous dosing strengths from 25mg, 50mg and 100mg per tablet. However,
many compounding pharmacies also manufacture Sildenafil with their own
dosing ranges.

Recommended use is to take Viagra 30-60 minutes before sexual
activity for the best effect with the total effect of the pill lasting
for 4 hours, approximately.